Bioware Has a Plan for The Old Republic End-Game

[Archemetis]

Why so much focus on the Endgame?
For me it's the trudge to the endgame that's the most boring part.

I mean for sake of example, in WoW, I got a load of mid-level characters(30-50), one 70 and one 80.

Out of them all the one I get the most enjoyment out of, is my level 80, because I can enjoy the more up-to-date material, I can actually group with people for dungeons, I can get all the fancy-looking gear as opposed to the out-dated crappy-by-comparison-looking gear I get whilst levelling.

When I'm levelling, I'm constantly having hassle with soloing ('cos no one was ever the same level as me or questing in the same area, 'cos they're all doing endgame stuff)
I couldn't find a group for dungeons (This was fixed with cross server LFG but even then I have to wait half an hour for a 10 minute dungeon...)

Patches never really fixed or included anything that would really benefit my levelling characters, which was a shame because they're the characters I wanted to work on, my 80 is my 'relaxing by killing things' character.

So yeah, I mean don't get me wrong, focusing on making the endgame fun is a noble cause, I mean once they've hit the level cap they need to feel like there's a reason to stick around.

But don't forget that not everyone is just levelling a character for the sake of hitting that endgame, some people want to enjoy doing it, they want to take in the world.

 

[Raqshiem]

I can't believe the people complaining about the lack of info. There's TONS of info about SW:ToR if you'd bother to look. I'm not posting any specifics, but if you want a little meat to go with your delicious CGI canapes, then start with these two sites:

Confirmed Class Information [http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?t=44704]
A topic on the SW:ToR Message Boards that contains constantly updated, cited, and referenced information about all of the SW:ToR classes.

Darth Hater [http://darthhater.com/]
The definitive site for information on SW:ToR. Regularly updated with interviews, dissections, Developer posts from the official forums, you name it, they've got it. Any and all the information I've seen on the Escapist pertaining to SW:ToR, I saw it on Darth Hater first, days, if not weeks, before the Escapist crew.

If you want info about SW:ToR, I highly suggest the dissection articles over at Darth Hater.

EDIT: Also, those claiming that SW:ToR will suck simple because it's an MMO, so they're "just going to wait for KotoR 3", you're going to be waiting for a long time. Developers have stated numerous times that SW:ToR is meant to be KotoR 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 as each class is written with its own dynamic storyline, totally distinct from the others, and that there will be no repeat story quests between the different classes.

 

[Xanthious]

Ok 2 things really bug me about this story. First off, there was zero zilch none notta nil as far as actual "news" went. It was just some jagoff from Bioware saying "Hey fellas, we are going to have endgame content". Really? Was anyone in doubt there was going to be endgame content? Was there some kind of vicious rumor circulating that Bioware was doing away with endgame content? It was an announcement that they will be making an announcement about endgame content at some other time. Seriously, find me one scrap of information that could pass as news. Slow news day I guess.

Second, the use of the term "elder game" makes this guy sound like a pretentious tool.

Tomorrow in the headlines: "Wet Floor In The Men's Room At Lucas Arts Studios"
Later in the week: "Becky In Accounting Caught Filching Coffee Filters. We Have Photos!"

 

[Talvrae]

I always had think they might have some plans for end game content... probably involving some form of RvR or FvF

 

[Captain Pancake]

This may seem weird, but I could tell that you didn't want to write this article, that you'd thought it would be better suited to Funk's tastes as a journalist. A little odd, I know, but I felt I should note this nonetheless.

 

[Lemon Of Life]

This could be the first MMORPG to win me over. Looks fun, and darn interesting to boot!

 

[Therumancer]

This strikes me as being non-news, an attempt to interest hardcore MMORPGers without any real information to back it up. The sad thing is I've seen techniques like this before, exalting an end game that really doesn't exist for all intents and purposes. Sometimes a lack of hard information exists not because they are keeping their cards close to their chest, but because they have nothing, and want people to think they do but are keeping things secret due to the competition.

I'm already looking forward to this game, but I'm not going to get all excited until I see something concrete. Erring on the side of skepticism is always wise, even when they release awesome seeming material before the game.... "Remember Age Of Conan" should be a motto for a lot of MMORPG enthusiasts.

At any rate, there are a lot of things to do. One of them is simply to use the old Everquest "Alternate Advancement" system which allowed you to tweak abillities, increase stats, etc... after hitting your max level, without actually increasing the level of the character. I think that worked fairly well to be honest, as it added incentive to clear all that trash other than a few coins on your way to the raid bosses and such.

Still, it will be interesting to see what they come up with, if anything.

 

[ThreeKneeNick]

It would be news if they didn't. Also why does whoever wrote the article (presumably Andy Chalk) imply Bioware will be handling anything differently when the Bioware dude said no such thing? He didn't in fact say ANYTHING. >.< (and somehow still got positive responses, this reminds me of the local elections held a few months back)

 

[TOGSolid]

So their press release is to tell everyone that they got a cool idea, but they won't tell anyone what exactly it is until the next press release?

*yawn* Call me when there's real news to talk about.

 

[Dirty Apple]

Then again, light sabres are said to work wonders.

You obviously weren't around for the Galaxies debacle of '03. Many a Star Wars nerd raged that day.

 

[Icehearted]

Wow. They sure have made a lot of promises for this game. I really hope they can deliver, or Bioware's going to look like a bunch of assholes.

My thoughts exactly.

If they wanted to grab for that WoW cash, why'd they have to step on KotOR to do it? All I'm seeing are a lot of people blowing smoke about how their game is an MMO that won't have everything that sucks about MMOs, even though those parts are what make them MMOs.

 

[Belvadier]

I'm just really hoping there's a lifetime membership option for those who pre-order like there has been with several other recent MMOs. I would gladly pay $200 or $250 to have a never-ending subscription rather than pay monthly...especially for a game that I know I will love and play for years.

 

[duchaked]

I *do* care about Star Wars...but not MMOs
though I'll be keeping an eye on this one
(haha not gonna use the "we'll see if 'the Force if strong with this one'" quip )

 

[Amazigh]

It'll probably be the ability to ask your Padawan Space-Bowling or something.

 

[Vrach]

Sweet, exciting news, I have to say I was expecting this and taking it for granted (as it was hyped as a WoW-competitor, which, without end-game, is a ridiculous notion) but I'm interested in seeing what they'll go for exactly.

With them mentioning people with WoW characters, I'm guessing a sort of a similar system perhaps, but I think there might be more coming to it... either way, consider my interest piqued Bioware! Oh and keep ol' Georgy's hands away from it will ya?.. don't wanna end up with no +3 Midichlorian armour upgrades or sth *shakes head muttering*

 

[Not G. Ivingname]

Too bad this is an MMO. I don't play MMO's, EVER! I'll just sit in my corner and wait for KotOR 3 I guess.

It's not coming, they are releasing a KotOR MMO, why would they make a 3?

As Spoony said, Knights will be KoTOR 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 with all the different class stories. Also, they may add 11 and 12 with future updates.

 

[subtlefuge]

Even though the Star Wars mythology isn't entirely original, it is very rich. Bioware definitely has a surprising grasp on what players want from an MMO.

Chalk me up as interested.

 

[Zing]

Orly.


Is the plan for end game to announce a release date??

Its been 4 years, and we have 2 CGI's and some concept art. (And alot of "yay sith" to wade through.)


Whiskey Echo!
Mythgraven

Uhhh no. How about over 20 videos, a playable demo, a multiplayer gameplay demo, developer walkthrough of every class.

 

[garfoldsomeoneelse]

If this came from anyone but BioWare, I'd expect some gimmick that you wouldn't know about until you're already thoroughly invested in the game. But since it is BioWare... I don't even have to finish this sentence.